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Sweet Ice Cream Day Trips Around Washington State

How far would you drive for the perfect scoop?

Published on:July 30, 2015

Photo credit: Rory Graves

We recognize this truth as self-evident: summer adventures such as hikes, beaches and road trips go better when there is the promise of a scoop at the end. We asked ParentMap writers for their fresh-churned ideas for ice cream day trips.

Courtesy Mallard Ice Cream

1. Bellingham: Rock Trail + Mallard Ice Cream

The adventure: Head to Larrabee State Park to hike Rock Trail, a 2.4-mile roundtrip adventure that starts at the highest point of the park and descends via a 130-step staircase into a ravine flanked by three rock cliffs more than 100 feet high. Admire the rock cliffs’ unique geology: small caverns called tafoni.

The scoop: Top off with a cone at the jewel of Bellingham, Mallard Ice Cream, a renowned maker of artisan, locally sourced ice cream. Torn between specialty flavors (ghost pepper mint, rhubarb) and classics such as cookies and cream? Choose the “indecision scoop,” one scoop with two flavors.

2. Port Townsend: Old-timey jail + Elevated Ice Cream Co.

The adventure: Among all there is to do around Port Townsend, a best-kept secret is the Jefferson Museum of Art & History, and especially the basement, where kids can explore the old city jail (open daily). Be sure to read how Jack London spent the night there.

The scoop: Two blocks away, find Elevated Ice Cream Co., which started in 1977 in a kiosk made out of a Victorian elevator cage (hence, the name). Now located across the street from the original spot, it scoops rich, freshly made ice cream in flavors from amaretto hazelnut and cookies and cream to dairy-free Italian ices with seasonal local fruit. And yes, there's a candy shop, too.

3. Richland: Kayaking + Rosy’s Ice Cream & Diner

The adventure: Drive east to downtown Richland for a half-day kayaking adventure with Columbia Kayak Adventures. Your guides will shuttle you to Ringold Springs; as you paddle back, keep an eye out for blue herons, pelicans, egrets and even coyotes.

Sweet tip: Kayaking not your thing? Rent a bike from Greenies in downtown Richland and bike the Richland Riverfront Trail.

— Kathleen F. Miller

Courtesy Cascadian Farm

4. North Cascades: Thunder Creek Trail + Cascadian Farm Ice Cream

The adventure: The high, jagged peaks found in North Cascades National Park leave little room for flat, kid-friendly hikes, but the Thunder Creek Trail is a stellar exception. Leaving from Colonial Creek Campground, the trail hugs an arm of turquoise-blue Diablo Lake before skimming alongside the cold, frothy waters of glacier-fed Thunder Creek. Hike in as far as you like, and then turn around. (Note: It's the National Park Centennial this year, and admission is free to all national parks on Aug. 25. Also families of fourth graders are free!)

The scoop: Cool off at Cascadian Farm’s charming roadside stand (on S.R. 20 between Rockport and Marblemount) with a cone of tasty homemade ice cream in flavors made from Cascadian’s organic berries, or a creamy chocolate that is heaven on a sugar cone.

Sweet tip: For an overnight outdoorsy adventure, pack your camping gear and snag a site at Colonial Creek Campground. Last-minute campers love its no-reservations policy, and kids will love the evening campfire programs.

— Lauren Braden

Oaks Park Amusement Park

5. Portland: Biking + amusement park + Salt and Straw

The adventure: A fun 3-mile ride in ultra-bikable Portland is to pedal south on the Springwater Corridor trail from the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) to Oaks Park amusement park for a screaming-fun time with coasters, mini golf, roller skating and carnival games.

The scoop: Once you’re back at OMSI, it’s a 10-minute drive to Salt and Straw, one of Portland’s favorite artisan ice cream shops, known for wacky flavors such as sea urchin merengue and tahini-cardamom, as well as kid faves such as chocolate gooey brownie and doublefold vanilla.